WTO rules on aircraft tax
Washington has appealed against a World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling that foreign sales corporations are an illegal subsidy. US exporters use these corporations to shield income from tax. That creates opportunities for tax-based leasing on such exports as aircraft. If the ruling stands, Boeing could lose $130 million in tax savings, plus an aircraft financing tool.
Carole a winner
Airline Business senior correspondent Carole Shifrin is this year's winner of the Lyman award for services to aviation journalism. Shifrin was presented with the award at a luncheon at the National Press Club in Washington DC.
Carriers create joint web site
Four US major carriers - Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines and United Airlines - are joining forces to create a web site on which browsers will be able to compare their Internet fares, purchase tickets and make hotel and rental car reservations. The web site will also provide arrival and departure information. American Airlines, meanwhile, has launched an extension to its web site which will allow UK customers to view ticket prices in sterling and make on-line bookings.
Safety Bingo
Southwest Airlines has introduced a bingo game for its employees to help further improve safety standards across the company. Teams are granted a bingo ball number each week for their joint card, provided they have logged no safety violations. A winning card means a paid day off for each team member.
Source: Airline Business
